Warm Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Bread pudding began as a thrifty kitchen tradition for turning day-old loaves into something lush. This warm American version folds fresh pumpkin puree and autumn spices into buttery brioche for a custardy fall dessert.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 45 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 365 cal
• 9g protein
• 48g carbs
• 16g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah
• 1 cup fresh pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp pinch of salt
• optional drizzle maple syrup for serving

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and brush a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or 8-inch square baking dish with melted butter.
2. 2Cut the day-old brioche into 1-inch cubes and spread them in the prepared skillet so they form an even base layer.
3. 3In a large bowl whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth.
4. 4Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing the top pieces down gently with a spatula so every cube soaks up liquid.
5. 5Let the mixture sit at room temperature 15 minutes, giving the bread time to absorb the spiced pumpkin custard fully.
6. 6Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top for extra browning.
7. 7Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is just set, the top is puffed and golden, and a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean.
8. 8If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
9. 9Remove from the oven and rest 10 minutes; the pudding will deflate slightly and the custard will finish setting.
10. 10Scoop or cut into warm squares and finish with a light maple drizzle if desired.
11. 11Serve straight from the skillet for maximum weekend-gather shareability while the pumpkin aroma is still rising.